In this episode, Corey chats with Google's Nick Eberts about how Kubernetes helps manage applications across different cloud environments. They cover the benefits and challenges of using Kubernetes, especially in Google's cloud (GKE), and discuss its role in making applications more flexible and scalable. The conversation also touches on how Kubernetes supports a multi-cloud approach, simplifies the deployment process, and can potentially save costs while avoiding being tied down to one cloud provider. They wrap up by talking about best practices in cloud infrastructure and the future of cloud-native technologies.

Show Highlights: 

(00:00) - Introduction to the episode

(03:28) - Google Cloud's approach to egress charges and its impact on Kubernetes

(04:33) - Data transfer costs and Kubernetes' verbose telemetry

(07:23) - The nature of Kubernetes and its relationship with cloud-native principles. 

(11:14) - Challenges Nick faced managing a Kubernetes cluster in a home lab setting

(13:25) - Simplifying Kubernetes with Google's Fleets

(17:34) - Introduction to GKE Fleets for managing Kubernetes clusters 

(20:39) - Building Kubernetes-like systems for complex application portfolios 

(24:06) - Internal company platforms and the utility of Kubernetes for CI/CD 

(27:49) - Challenges and strategies of updating old systems for today's cloud environment

(32:43) - The dividing line between Kubernetes and GKE from a product perspective. 

(35:07) - Where to find Nick 

(36:48) - Closing remarks 

About Nick:

Nick is an absolute geek who would prefer to spend his time building systems, but he has succumbed to capitalism and moved into product management at Google. For the last 20 years, he has worked as a systems engineer, solution architect, and outbound product manager. He is currently the product manager for GKE Fleets & Teams, focusing on multi-cluster capabilities that streamline GCP customers' experience while building platforms on GKE. 

Links referenced: 

• Duck Bill Group's website:http://www.duckbillgroup.com 
• Nick on Twitter/X : @nicholaseberts
• Nicholas Eberts on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neberts1/
• Nick on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholaseberts/

Sponsor

• Panoptica Academy: https://panoptica.app/lastweekinaws